If you accept a position at a program that is not participating in the Match, or if you decide not to submit a Rank Order List for any other reason, then you must withdraw for each Phase of the Match.
Things to Know
Withdrawing from the Match simply informs NMS that you will not participate in the matching process. It does not affect your status with APPIC or your Academic Program and has no impact on your ability to participate in the Match in a future year.
Applicants who withdrew from Phase I of the Match are permitted to participate in Phase II. They are able to access information on programs with positions available in Phase II, apply to those programs, and submit a Rank Order List for Phase II of the Match
If you withdraw from the Match, but then change your mind and decide you want to participate in the Match, you can reinstate yourself at any time prior to the Rank Order List deadline.
Participation status changes for Phase II of the Match can be submitted in the NMS Match System from February 25, 2026 until March 18, 2026.
Withdrawing from Phase II
Every applicant who registers for the Match and does not obtain a position in Phase I of the Match is eligible to participate in Phase II and must either submit a Rank Order List of programs for Phase II of the Match or withdraw from Phase II.
If you withdrew from both Phase I and Phase II prior to the Phase I Rank Order List deadline, your withdrawal is carried over to Phase II. There is nothing further you need to do, unless you want to participate in Phase II.
Applicants who withdraw from Phase II of the Match and have not obtained a position will be permitted to participate in the Post-Match Vacancy Service after the results of Phase II of the Match are released.
Implications of Withdrawing
- You will not be matched to a position in Phase II Match.
- You remain bound by the Applicant Agreement and APPIC Match Policies.
- Any submitted rankings for Phase II will not be used.
- Programs will see your withdrawn status in the NMS Match System
- You will stop receiving reminders about key deadlines for Phase II of the Match.
If you do not withdraw by the Phase II Rank Order List deadline and certify a Rank Order List for Phase II of the Match, your list will be included in the matching process. If matched, you will be obligated to attend the program, per the Applicant Agreement and APPIC Match Policies. Violations of these policies may result in a formal complaint and potential penalties imposed by the APPIC Board.
How to Withdraw
You must withdraw prior to the Phase II Rank Order List deadline:
- Log in to the NMS Match System.
- Select Edit from the Status section of the Dashboard.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
How to Reinstate
You may reinstate to participate in Phase II prior to the Phase II Rank Order List deadline for that Phase:
To reinstate yourself in the Match:
- Log in to the NMS Match System.
- Select Edit from the Status section of the Dashboard.
- Follow the instructions provided on the screen to complete the reinstatement process.
